Sharing the Qualitative Research

Applied Research 1
Contextual Research in Daily Life 1
Qualitative Research Report vs. Academic Papers
• Academic paper may start with a library paper which can be
presented following the simple structure or depending on the
requirement of the professor. It usually has an abstract, introduction,
literature review, conclusion, and bibliography (Jimenez & de Asis,
2010).
• A thesis paper takes a definite stand on an issue; it is a proposition or
point of view that you are willing to argue against or defend. Writing a
thesis paper requires you to exercise judgment, evaluate evidence,
and construct a logical argument (Winkler & Metherel, 2012).
• The intent of a qualitative research report is to describe the dynamic
implementation of the research project, and the unique, creative
findings obtained (Marshall & Rossman, 2010, as cited in Grove, et al.,
2013).
 Considerations in Presenting the Written
Research Report
• While the content will always be essentially the same for each audience, the emphasis
on specific points and the way in which they are expressed will be different depending
on the target audience.
• This report need not to be substantially different from drafts, except where participants
have indicated that change is necessary.
• It should begin with the restatement of the beginnings of the research project and end
with a summary section.
• The summary section provides a description and explanation of the new knowledge
discovered or the unique contribution that this research makes. Not too much detail is
needed here – simple answer the research questions, and draw the conclusion.
• The final report can suggest some potential directions for further research and possibly
what kind of policy or individual or group action might be recommended.
• The readers must be informed why this research counts and why is it important.
Parts of the Qualitative Research Report
(Grove et al, 2013)
1. Introduction
• Background and significance of the phenomenon to be studied
• Aims or purpose of the study
• Brief review of relevant literature
• Gap in knowledge study will address
• Study questions and qualitative approach to be used.
Common Strategies in Writing an Introduction
• Read materials that will give you a background of your study before you
start writing. You may rely on newspapers to show the current issue;
read historical references to narrate the origin of your topic, or watch
documentary shows to understand the development of your topic.
• Begin your paragraph with relevant background material. It should be
presented concisely and should be clearly related to your thesis
statement.
• State a long-term effect or effects without immediately stating the
cause.
• Define or describe the significant terms of your study, for example
climate change. Avoid simple dictionary definitions rather create
expanded definition that explains how the term applies to your topic and
study.
Parts of the Qualitative Research Report
(Grove et al, 2013)
2. Methods
• Describe the qualitative method
• Basic steps involved in using this method
• Sampling method, consent process
• Setting and researcher access to the setting
• Data collection process
• Data analysis plan
Again, the main methods for collecting qualitative data are:
individual interviews, focus group discussion (FGD), and
observations.
Parts of the Qualitative Research Report
(Grove et al, 2013)
3. Results
• Description of sample (may use graph)
• Results organized by questions or themes, depending on the
method
• Use narrative and quotations to present findings
The research findings should provide sufficient evidence from the
collected data to support the conclusions. Ethically, the researcher
has to make sure he/she has the confidence on the findings and
account for counter-evidence, the evidence that contradict the
researcher’s primary findings, and not report on something that
does not have sufficient evidence to back it up.
Parts of the Qualitative Research Report
(Grove et al, 2013)
4. Discussion
• Major findings compared to previous research
• Limitations of the study
• Conclusions
• Implications
• Future studies that are needed
Parts of the Qualitative Research Report
(Grove et al, 2013)
5. References list down all the sources used in the study particularly the
title, author(s), date and place of publication, arranged in a specific
bibliographic entry format. Here are some tips in listing references:
• Classify the credible materials you get from the internet. Visit
https://www.llrx.com/2017/01/academic-and-scholar-search-engines-and-
sources-2017/ for the latest list of academic database and search
engines.
• Look for sources with complete information with secure connection.
• Survey sources with electronic versions based on a print source (as in
PDF) because most of the time the reference details are included in the
copy.
• Refer to the Publication Manual of the APA, 6th Edition
The Best Research Design
Some people who conduct qualitative research do not appear to
select one particular approach but follow general principles that
include hearing the voices of those studied, using the researcher as
the conduit for the information, studying things in naturalistic manner,
looking at the whole things, and avoiding testing hypotheses. Results
rely heavily on words, and often quotations from those studied are
included in the document. It is clear that there is not a general
agreement about which approach represents the best
qualitative design. The variety of approaches to qualitative
research presents a challenge both to the novice and experienced
researchers. The research approach you choose is connected to
question, to the topic you plan to cover, and to the participants
you choose to include in your study (Lichtman, 2013).
References
Grove, S., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2013). The practice of nursing research, 7 th ed
appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. Missouri, USA: Elsevier
Saunders.
Jimenez, E. & de Asis, M. S. (2010). Writing in the discipline. Caloocan,
Philippines: Suatengco Publishing House.
Lichtman, M. (2013). Qualitative research in education a user’s guide, 3 rd ed.
California, USA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Neal, D., Wood, W., Labrecque, J., and Lally, P. (March 2012). How do habits
guide behavior? Perceived and actual triggers of habits in daily life. Journal of
Experimental Social Psychology, 48(2), 492-498.
Waller, V., Farquharson, K., & Dempsey, D. (2016). Qualitative social research
contemporary methods for the digital age. London, UK: Sage Publications.
Winkler, A. & Metherel, J. R. (2012). Writing the research paper: A handbook, 8 th
ed. Massachusetts, USA: Cengage Learning.